When Swimmers Escaped Violence, Widely-Shared Image Depicts Rescuer Running ‘Full Speed’ To the Location.

Alexandra Ching, someone who has spent her entire life as local of Bondi, views the iconic shoreline as her back yard. On that particular weekend night, she, along with numerous local residents, detected loud noises echoing through the neighbourhood.

“We all thought the same, but I thought it was daylight and there was nothing visible,” Ching recounts. Exiting her apartment, she witnessed people “pouring up Bondi Road”. Their expressions she saw told her trouble had occurred.

While standing on the street, speaking to a couple who had run up the hill still dripping wet, she became aware of someone approaching at her rear. This turned out to be a lifeguard, dashing towards Bondi unshod from the nearby Tamarama beach – a distance of 1.5km – while transporting a defibrillator.

“I noticed a person utter ‘excuse me’, and turning my head I only caught a glimpse of this flash of blue,” she recounts. “He was just flying past. It was just him heading in the direction that the crowd was trying to escape from, and hauling that large equipment and barefoot … He was sprinting towards something that certainly every part of you would tell you to move in the opposite direction.

“Without a second thought, but just totally pedal to the metal running.”

A Symbol of Heroism In the Wake of Tragedy

The photo Ching captured of the lifeguard, now known to be Jackson Doolan, rapidly circulated as one of many acts of heroism in the following of the terror attack.

Andy Reid, another lifeguard, says that Doolan, called “Jacko”, ran from Tamarama beach to back up the remaining crew at Bondi, as well as to aid emergency personnel, police and ambulance crews treating dozens of those hurt.

Collective Reaction and Solidarity

Doolan’s actions was a single example among several to come out of the neighbourhood, with the patrol base adjacent to the site of the violence becoming a impromptu treatment center. Reports indicate that fellow lifeguards were also seen responding bravely, such as rushing into the surf to save people in distress.

After the attack, statements of appreciation circulated widely. A social media message expressed gratitude for the responders who showed that “compassion will always overcome darkness”.

The squad of lifeguards published a statement, saying they were “processing what happened”.

“Thank you all for your kind words and encouragement. We are overwhelmed by the care directed at our responders,” the organization commented. “When ready, we will tell our tales in the belief that it aids those impacted.”

Official Recognition

Waverley council, the local authority that hires many professional beach safety officers, said that the team acted heroically from the moment the violence began through to late that night.

“People have shared so many moving accounts, but the viral image of Jackson Doolan, racing from Tamarama to Bondi with a AED so he could help save lives is extraordinary,” stated a council representative.

“Our lifeguards exhibit selflessness every day in maintaining the safety of our internationally renowned shores secure for visitors, but what we observed on Sunday should be commended.

“During this time of sorrow and come to terms with the terror of this brutal and barbaric act of violence, I think it is crucial that we reflect on just how much light we have witnessed in the face of such hatred.”